Chapter 1: Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room
Read Luke 1:5-18 from “The Voice” for additional background
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%201:5-18&version=VOICE
Elizabeth is described as righteous, blameless, and honorable. Look through Proverbs 31:10–31, then choose the verses that best describe how a godly woman in biblical times might have lived out her faith in practical, day-to-day ways.
Chapter 2: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Read Luke 1:19–25
Elizabeth fell silent by her own choice. Zechariah fell silent by God’s choice. When her husband heard the good news spoken by the angel Gabriel and voiced his doubts, those were the last words Zechariah said for many months.
Elizabeth spent all nine months of her pregnancy with a husband who could not speak or hear. In what ways might that lengthy silence have been a challenge for these two – individually and as a married couple? And how might that silence have been an unexpected blessing?
A few simple questions for you to think about - we will discuss on Monday:
- Find the study guide in the back of the book - read the questions for these chapters on pages 181 - 184 and be prepared to discuss, along with the questions below.
- Was there something in Chapter One that struck a chord with you? How about Chapter Two?
- Think about the lifestyle and what you just learned about being a priest and a priest's wife. We will discuss this.
- If you know a modern Elizabeth, what specific things does she do that you find exemplary?
- How might these women from the past and present inspire you to change the way you’ll serve God in the future?
- How does Elizabeth’s faithfulness inspire you?
- What might you discover if the Lord silenced you for a day?
- As we approach the Christmas season, we have the opportunity to focus on Jesus rather than on the shopping and chores. What is one thing you can do personally to make sure that you “Put Christ back in Christmas?”
- We often hear women say that Christmas is the best time to share Jesus with others. What are some ways to open the door to conversations about Christianity?